Funk Songs

Though not without heavy roots in blues and jazz, modern funk music is known more for rhythmic repetitiveness and less for melodic sequencing.

Stylistically, funk guitar follows the same regimen. Heavy rhythms that repeat the same chord and/or note for multiple measures are extremely typical and often mean that the electric guitar becomes more exclusively a rhythm-focused instrument.

In many cases, electric bass and drums are in the foreground of tracks, while the electric guitar takes more of a background role.

While many excellent funk guitarists have flown under the radar of mainstream music, a few names you might recognize would be James Brown, Prince, Mark Ronson and John Frusciante, all of whom would fall under the funk category.

Funk Songs

(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay

In these lessons Lee Wanner will teach you "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay", by Otis Redding. Lee will introduce the song and talk about gear and tone, then teach the intro and outro. This song has both acoustic and electric guitar, and Lee will break down the verse, chorus, and bridge parts on both instruments. For fun, we'll learn the famous whistling melody, then we'll do full and single guitar performances. We'll end with a jam along.

ABC

In this set of lessons, Sharon Aguilar will teach "ABC", as made famous by The Jackson 5. Sharon will introduce the song and go over the gear and tones, then break down the details for the intro and verse, the chorus, and the bridge for guitar 1. Next we'll look at the same sections for guitars 2 and 3, and a bridge part for an additional guitar. We'll then do full and single guitar performances, and end with a jam along.

At Last

In these ten lessons, Sharon Aguilar will teach "At Last", as made famous by Etta James. After a song introduction and a look at the gear and tone, we'll break down the intro and outro parts. Next up are the chords and rhythms for A sections 1 and 2, followed by the B section. We'll look at A section 3 before we learn the string melody on guitar, then do play a long performances and a jam along.

Brick House

Step along the dance floor, learning the moves that guys envy and ladies adore. We'll walk you step by through funk picking and timing, the various chords used in the sections of the song, even how to double the bass line. In short, how to get your groove on!

Cisco Kid

In this series of lessons, Joel Van Dijk will teach "The Cisco Kid", as made famous by War. Joel will give a song overview and talk about the funk tone before he digs into the opening lick. Then it's on to the main wah-based part and the chorus; we'll follow up with some bonus lessons on the theme licks in the tune. We'll cap it all off with a play along performance, then a jam along.

Cissy Strut

In this tutorial Anders Mouridsen will teach you how to play the classic New Orleans funk jam song "Cissy Strut" as made famous by The Meters. You're gonna learn everything you need to know about this song; how to play the melody or the "head", how to play the B section ensemble line, how to "comp" when someone else is soloing and how to take a solo yourself. After this tutorial you'll be able to jam out with the record or go play Cissy Strut live at a jam-session.

Cool Jerk

Mike will show you the guitar part in this song that's all about the groove, supporting the singer, and getting people on the dance floor! He'll show you the triads, single note riffs, the backbeat and how the guitar is used in a support role in the arrangement.

Cream

Mike will show you the 2 guitars in this song. Guitar 1 is a clean guitar that will play the rhythm chords throughout. Guitar 2 is the lead guitar that adds some slide and filter-effected fills for a unique sound.

Have You Seen Her

In this series of lessons, Henrik Linde will teach "Have You Seen Her", by The Chi-Lites. After the usual song introduction and gear and tones, Henrik will launch into the fuzz guitar melody and rhythm in the intro. The A section progression is next, then the B section; we'll look at the outro rhythm before we head to a play along performance and a jam along.

I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)

In this set of lessons, Sharon Aguilar will teach "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)", as made famous by The Four Tops. After a song introduction and a look at the gear and tone, Sharon will break down the rhythm guitar and chord voicings in the song. Then she'll teach you the bass line as a bonus, before doing play along performances; you'll take over in the "guitar karaoke" jam along.

I Second That Emotion

Douglas will show you how to cover this song using two guitar parts by combining rhythm guitar parts and lead lines into one guitar, as well as all the backbeat hits with another. Both of these guitars give you the necessary tools to play along with this awesome song, combined with a way that works great just for two guitars.

I Wanna Testify

In this tutorial we are going to take a look at how to play "Testify" as made famous by Parliament. This track features some great funk licks and in this video, I will show you how to play some of the clavinet parts as well. Let's check it out!

I'll Take You There

Mike will show you the clean electric guitar playing a mix of rhythm and lead throughout.
The tune opens with a funky horn like melody that's played with palm muting. Next, the groove kicks in and doesn't let up for the whole tune! It's all about funky R&B rhythm and lead guitar approaches.

It's Your Thing

In this tutorial we are going to take a look at how to play the late 60's funk classic "It's Your Thing" by The Isley Brothers. We'll to teach you both guitar parts, and we are also going to take a look at how the guitar fits into the whole arrangement by soloing it against each instrument. Remember it's not about how much you play, but how tight your groove is and how you fit into the big picture. Let's groove!

Kiss

Mike will show you the 2 clean electric guitars in this song. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar that lays down a steady foundation for the tune. Guitar 2 is the lead guitar that also plays some funky riffs throughout.

Knock on Wood

In this series of lessons, Tom Finch will teach you "Knock on Wood", by Eddie Floyd. Tom will talk about what you'll be learning, then look at the gear and tone. The first playing lesson is on the intro and chorus parts; following that we'll dig into the verse and pre-chorus. Next up is the bridge, then the outro. We conclude with a performance play along, then you play the song by yourself in the jam along.

Low Rider

In this set of song lessons, Douglas Showalter will teach "Low Rider", by War. Douglas will introduce the song and talk a bit about gear and tones for you, then dig in to the main funk guitar line that occurs throughout the song. Next we'll break down the signature melody that is so much a part of this song, then teach you the bass groove as a bonus, for more funk. We'll end with full and single guitar performances, and a jam along.

My Girl

When you hear the opening bass line and guitar hook, you instantly know know it's My Girl. In this series of lessons on the classic 60s R&B/soul song, made famous by The Temptations, we'll show you that great hook, the rhythm parts, and much more.